Only A Game

After losing her right leg at the age of 9, Lacey Henderson says she was in "disability denial." This week on Only A Game, how Henderson came to accept her disability, reach the Paralympics — and start a podcast. Also, looking back at a sports columnist's first time watching ESPN. And the real origin of rugby in Japan, which involves a samurai, British warships and an armed cricket match...? Join us!

The NBA says its first game was played Nov. 1, 1946. But history suggests a different date. This week on Only A Game, a look back at the origin of the NBA — and how one of its founding leagues got boxed out. Also, in the midst of a record-setting snowstorm, a Canadian man decided to challenge Mike Tyson ... blindfolded. And the story of elite ultramarathoner Dave Mackey who lost his leg — and then set his sights on returning to the grueling Leadville Race Series. Join us!

Gavin Newsom says he would not be the governor of California if not for college sports. So why did he decide to sign a law that challenges the entire NCAA system? Also this week on Only A Game, the story of Boston gambler Joseph "Sport" Sullivan's role in the Black Sox Scandal. And LeBron James is facing criticism for his response to Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet about Hong Kong. Join us!

Jason Benetti grew up with cerebral palsy and with dreams of becoming the White Sox announcer. But as he got older, he gravitated toward radio because he didn't want to be seen. This week on Only A Game, Benetti's path to his dream job. Also, Keith Comstock was tired of doing the same poses for his minor league baseball card, so he decided to take a ball to the crotch. And Joe Frazier wasn't outspoken publicly. But one writer delves into Frazier's quiet acts of kindness. Join us!

Sometimes, things don't go as expected. This week on Only A Game, stories about the metaphorical curveball — moments when life takes a surprising turn. There's comedian Gary Gulman, who went from playing football to pursuing comedy. And there's Tori Petry, who went from covering the Detroit Lions to playing semi-pro football. Also: the story of a man who ran a marathon ... in prison. Join us!

UNLV men's hockey assistant coach Nick Robone was one of the hundreds wounded during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 58 people. This week on Only A Game, Nick discusses the importance of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the aftermath of the shooting. Also, the story of a young Los Angeles Dodgers analyst who teamed up with star third baseman Justin Turner ... in fantasy football. And a look at the NCAA's case against Kansas. Join us!

After losing his wife, Wendy, to breast cancer, Arkansas State football coach Blake Anderson found support in an unexpected place: enemy territory. This week on Only A Game, the story of why Georgia Bulldogs fans chose to #WearPinkForWendy. Also, cave diver and underwater filmmaker Jill Heinerth's brushes with death as she and her crew became the first-ever to cave dive inside an iceberg. And how Tommy John set an undesirable MLB record in a matter of 12 seconds.

Curtis Granderson is a 16-year MLB veteran. This week on Only A Game, Granderson talks baseball, community and why he doesn't Instagram photos of food. Plus, the story of former minor league baseball player Pete Murphy who was working in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. And from "Check, Please!" to "The Bromance Book Club," a look at the popular genre of sports romance novels.

Pohnpei is an island in Micronesia with a population of less than 40,000. By 2009, its national soccer team — which had never won an international match — had effectively disbanded. This week on Only A Game, the story of soccer's return to Pohnpei. Also, why listening to people talk about fantasy football is the worst. And the story of the crawl that kept one woman's running dream alive. Join us!

Leland Melvin went to training camp with the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. And he went to space with NASA. This week on Only A Game, Leland Melvin chronicles how he got there. Plus, what does Colts quarterback Andrew Luck's retirement at age 29 mean for the NFL? And Clemson football fans are known for spending $2 bills whenever they travel to away games. Why? Join us to find out!